R21AS00275 CVPCP NOFO 2.18.2021.pdf

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Notice of Funding Opportunity No. BOR-CGB-21-F003

Central Valley Project Conservation Program Grants for Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Interior Region 10 - California-Great Basin Sacramento, California January 2021 iii

Mission Statement

The Department of the Interior (DOI) conserves and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and other information about natural resources and natural hazards to address societal challenges and create opportunities for the American people, and honors the Nation’s trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities to help them prosper.

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

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Synopsis Federal Agency Name:

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, California-Great Basin Region

Funding Opportunity Title:

Central Valley Project Conservation Program Grants for Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022

Announcement Type:

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-CGB-21-F003

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:

15.564 (Central Valley Project Conservation Program)

Dates: Applications due April 19, 2021, 3:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST). This notice applies to more than one fiscal year’s funding.

Eligible Applicants:

Any non-federal entity is eligible to apply.

Recipient Cost Share:

No cost sharing requirement, but the level of financial partnering is considered during application evaluation.

Federal Funding Amount:

From $25,000 to $1,000,000 per award.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

Approximately 7 to 10, depending on requested funding amounts for selected projects and appropriations.

Estimated Amount of Funding Available for Award:

Estimated $1,500,000 for each of FY 2021 and FY 2022 for an estimated total of $3,000,000.

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Application Checklist The following table contains a summary of the information that you are required to submit with the application.

√ What to submit Required content Form or format

When to submit

Application for Federal Assistance

Sec. IV.C Form SF 424, available at:

https://www.grants.gov/w eb/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html Page 7

Assurances Sec. IV.C Form SF 424B or SF 424D, as applicable, available at:

https://www.grants.gov/w eb/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html Page 7

Technical Proposal:

• Cover Page

• Title of Proposed Project

• Abstract

• Technical Proposal Category

• Project Description

• Relationship of the Proposal to the Program Scoring Criteria

Sec. IV.D Pages 8 through 17 *

Project Budget Proposal:

• Budget Table

• Budget Narrative

Sec. IV.D.18 Attachment B

Program Priority Actions Sec. V.A.1 through V.A.4

Pages 17 through 25 *

Species List Sec. IV.D.15 Attachment A

Evidence of Landowner Support

Sec. III.B(4) Page 5 *

SAM Verification Sec. VI.D.4 Page 33 ** ASAP Verification Sec. VI.D.4 Page 33 ** Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Sec. VI.D.1(c)(3) Page 31 **

* Submit with the application by March 31, 2021, 3:00 pm PST.

** To be submitted after application selection and notice of possible award.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html vi

Acronyms and Abbreviations ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments CAP Cost Allocation Plan CFR Code of Federal Regulations CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database CVP Central Valley Project CVPCP Central Valley Project Conservation Program CWA Clean Water Act DOI U.S. Department of the Interior DOI/AVSO U.S. Department of the Interior Appraisal and Valuation Services Office DUNS Data Universal Number System ESA Endangered Species Act FOIA Freedom of Information Act IBC Interior Business Center NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NICRA Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity PST Pacific Standard Time Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation SAM System for Award Management USDOJ U.S. Department of Justice USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service vii

Contents Section I: Notice of Funding Opportunity Description

I.A Central Valley Project Conservation Program Grants I.B Objective of the Notice of Funding Opportunity I.C Program Authorities

Section II: Award Information II.A Total Project Funding II.B Project Funding Limitations II.C Award Date

Section III: Eligibility Information III.A Eligible Applicants III.B Eligible Projects III.C Ineligible Projects III.D Length of Projects III.E Cost Sharing Requirement III.F Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

Section IV: Application and Submission Information IV.A Access to Application Package IV.B Application Submission IV.C Instructions for Submission of Project Application IV.D Application Content

IV.D.1 Cover Page IV.D.2 Title of Proposed Project IV.D.3 Abstract IV.D.4 Technical Proposal Category IV.D.5 Project Objective(s) IV.D.6 Proposal Proponent IV.D.7 Location of Proposed Project IV.D.8 Amount of Funding Request IV.D.9 Total Proposed Project Cost IV.D.10 Proposed Activities IV.D.11 Proposed Project Timeline viii

IV.D.12 Monitoring and Management IV.D.13 Measuring Results IV.D.14 Résumé or Curriculum Vitae IV.D.15 Relationship of the Proposal to the Program Scoring Criteria IV.D.16 Literature Cited IV.D.17 Technical Merit IV.D.18 Budget Table and Narrative

IV.E Funding Restrictions

Section V: Application Review Information

V.A Technical Proposal Evaluation Criteria V.A.1 Land Protection Priority Actions V.A.2 Habitat Restoration Priority Actions V.A.3 Research Priority Actions V.A.4 Captive Propagation and/or Reintroduction Priority Actions

V.B Program Scoring Criteria

V.C Review and Selection Process

Section VI: Award Administration Information

VI.A Award Notices

VI.B Award Document

VI.C Reporting Requirements and Distribution VI.C.1 Financial Reports VI.C.2 Program Performance Reports

VI.D Award Terms and Conditions VI.D.1 Conflict of Interest VI.D.2 Data Availability VI.D.3 DUNS Requirement VI.D.4 System for Awards Management (SAM)/Credential Provider Registration VI.D.5 Environmental and Regulatory Compliance VI.D.6 Agency Contacts

Section VII: Literature Cited

Section VIII: Attachments

Section I: Notice of Funding Opportunity Description

I.A Central Valley Project Conservation Program Grants

The Central Valley Project Conservation Program (CVPCP) was developed by the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) during the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultation process and resulting November 21, 2000 Biological Opinion. The CVPCP was included with other measures to ensure that the existing operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP), and renewal of CVP water service contracts would not jeopardize listed or proposed species or adversely affect designated or proposed critical habitat. Accordingly, the CVPCP implements actions intended to protect, restore, and enhance special-status species (excluding fish) and their habitats affected by the CVP, with a special emphasis on federally listed species. The main objectives of the CVPCP are to: (1) protect and restore native habitats impacted by the CVP, (2) stabilize and improve populations of native species impacted by the CVP, and (3) assist with the recovery of federal- and state-listed species whose populations have been impacted by the CVP.

The CVPCP funds a variety of actions that improve conditions for species and habitats impacted by the CVP, recognizing that a balanced set of actions is needed to meet program objectives. Emphasis is placed on certain kinds of activities considered critical to species’ protection and recovery.

Applications for land protection, habitat restoration, research, and captive propagation and/or reintroduction projects will be considered for funding.

(1) Land Protection: Protection of species or existing habitats impacted by the CVP through the purchase of fee title acquisition, conservation easements, and potentially other forms of protection on lands where threats to these lands are significant. At least 50 percent of CVPCP funds will be targeted towards this category of activity. The CVPCP cannot fund any protection project which would result in mitigation credits for the award recipient or the landowner.

(2) Habitat Restoration: Restoration of CVP impacted habitats where restoration actions would markedly improve conditions for impacted species. The CVPCP cannot fund any restoration project which would result in mitigation credits for the award recipient or landowner.

(3) Research: Research addressing status and habitat needs to facilitate listed species recovery.

(4) Captive Propagation and/or Reintroduction: Captive propagation and/or reintroduction of listed species in order to increase numbers of individuals in a population.

I.B Objective of the Notice of Funding Opportunity

The objective of this NOFO is to invite eligible applicants to submit applications for projects that benefit federally listed and other special-status species whose habitats and populations have been impacted by operation of the CVP. An additional objective is to ensure the award selection process is in compliance with competition requirements related to federal financial agreements, and to ensure public participation in the CVPCP.

Under the Federal Code of Regulations (CFR) 2 CFR, awarding agencies are expected to include the following standard language regarding NOFOs and resulting financial assistance agreements:

Notices of Funding Opportunity:

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Federal awarding agency will review and consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the:

• President’s September 2, 2020 memorandum, entitled Memorandum on Reviewing Funding to State and Local Government Recipients of Federal Funds that Are Permitting Anarchy, Violence, and Destruction in American Cities;

• Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping (E.O. 13950);

• Executive Order on Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal

Violence (E.O. 13933); and

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205), o Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216), o Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341), o Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and o Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

General Terms and Conditions:

By accepting this agreement the recipient and its executives, as defined in 2 CFR § 170.315, certify that the recipient’s policies are in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, especially:

• President’s September 2, 2020 memorandum, entitled Memorandum on Reviewing Funding to State and Local Government Recipients of Federal Funds that Are Permitting Anarchy, Violence, and Destruction in American Cities;

• Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping (E.O. 13950);

• Executive Order on Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal

Violence (E.O. 13933); and

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

o Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216), o Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341), o Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and

Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

Note that prior funding opportunity announcements were posted jointly for the CVPCP and the associated Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) Habitat Restoration Program. The NOFOs for the two programs are now separated, and that for the CVPIA Habitat Restoration Program will be posted on Grants.gov at a later date. Applicants who apply under this CVPCP NOFO will be notified by mail when the CVPIA Habitat Restoration Program Grants for Fiscal Year 2021 and 2022 NOFO has been posted. Persons having questions about the process should contact the CVPCP Manager named in Section VI.D.6.

I.C Program Authorities

This NOFO is issued in accordance with the authority under Public Law 85-624, 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq., as amended, and Section 7(a) Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, (70 Stat 1122; 16 U.S.C.

742f(a)), as limited and delegated by the Secretary of the Interior delegation of authority to the Bureau of Reclamation at 255 DM 1.1B. Specifically, Section 6 F.(2) Fish and Wildlife.

Section II: Award Information

II.A Total Project Funding

The number of financial assistance agreements awarded and amount of funding available is dependent on annual appropriations to the CVPCP and the number of successful applications. The total amount of funding available for projects through the CVPCP per fiscal year is estimated at $1,500,000 each for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 for an estimated total of $3,000,000 for awards.

II.B Project Funding Limitations

Reclamation financial assistance may range from $25,000 to $1,000,000 for individually approved projects.

II.C Award Date

Reclamation expects to notify potential FY 2021 and 2022 award recipients during June 2021.

Notification letters will be sent to unsuccessful applicants during the same time frame. Financial assistance agreements will be awarded to applicants that successfully pass all pre-award reviews and clearances.

Section III: Eligibility Information

III.A Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include State or local government agencies, private non-profit or for-profit organizations, individuals, and educational institutions.

Applications from parties who have received a federal assistance award in the past may be evaluated based on past performance. At a minimum, this would include how well the applicant, as a previous award recipient, complied with requirements for submitting reports and other requirements in a complete and timely manner; communicated and coordinated on past projects between themselves and the awarding agency; complied with the terms and conditions of the previous grant agreement;

and whether the award recipient was responsive to requested information in a timely manner.

III.B Eligible Projects

The CVPCP has established a Priority Project Area map that delineates the specific area of California within which projects will be considered through this application. Applications for projects will not be considered that fall outside the boundaries of the program project area unless a clear “nexus” (relationship or connection) to the CVP is demonstrated in the application (see Section IV.D.15, CVP Nexus, for additional information). The Priority Project Area map can be viewed at: https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpcp/map/index.html.

The Reclamation Grants Officer and CVPCP Managers will determine whether a submitted application and its proposed project are eligible for a financial assistance award. Eligibility is determined by considering, at a minimum, the following:

(1) CVPCP Priority Species. Eligible applications will focus on species with a “High” or “Very

High” rating. Applications that focus only on species with a “Low” or “Medium” rating will not be eligible for consideration unless otherwise specifically called for in a Priority Action. A spreadsheet containing CVPCP priority species designations is available by clicking on the https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpcp/map/index.html

“Priority Species” link on the CVPCP website at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpcp/species/index.html.

(2) Geographic area. The project area must be located within the CVPCP Priority Project Area, or otherwise have a clear connection to CVPCP priorities. These factors are used in determining whether the proposed project has a CVP nexus which is necessary for the project to meet the intent and authorities of the Programs.

(3) Conformance with the NOFO.

● Proposals must conform to the goals and objectives of the CVPCP; successfully address a program Priority Action, and Scoring Criteria; and follow the required format.

● The CVPCP cannot fund any project that would be used to fulfill a mitigation requirement.

(4) Evidence of willing seller and/or landowner support.

● Applications submitted for Land Protection, Habitat Restoration, Captive Propagation and/or Reintroduction projects, and Research projects to be conducted in the field, should include evidence of willing sellers/landowner support.

● For Land Protection projects, the parcel(s) to be acquired and the willing seller(s) of the parcel(s) should be identified. The fact that a parcel to be acquired has a willing seller(s) should be supported through written confirmation submitted with the proposal. The confirmation does not have to be a formal letter, but it does need to be a type of statement that will convince those evaluating and selecting applications to award that the parcel has a willing seller(s). Funds to be awarded through this NOFO are for the specific parcel(s) identified in the proposal. No replacement lands will be considered should the land identified in the proposal no longer be available for protection. For a conservation easement, successful applicants must submit a draft conservation easement to the CVPCP Manager for review and concurrence prior to conducting the property appraisal.

● For Habitat Restoration, Research, and Captive Propagation and/or Reintroduction, the parcels to be restored or selected for research or captive propagation and/or reintroduction should be identified in the application, and the willing landowner(s) of the parcel(s) identified. That the landowner(s) is willing to allow project activities to take place on his/her property should be supported through written confirmation submitted with the application.

(5) Budget Narrative. Financial assistance will not be provided to any applicant who fails to provide a budget narrative. The narrative should be separate from the budget table.

(6) Budget Table and Budget Narrative. A financial assistance award will not be made to any applicant who fails to fully disclose and specify all project costs. See section IV.D.18 for more information.

(7) SF-424 Forms. Applications that do not include the required SF-424 documents (Application for Federal Assistance) including the application form, Assurances, and Budget Information, with the submission of their application(s) will not be considered. Additionally, as stated in section IV.C, the SF-424 documents must be signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the proposed activity. Inclusion of a properly signed and dated SF-424 and SF-424B is mandatory. Failure to adhere to this requirement may result in the elimination of your proposal from further consideration.

https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpcp/species/index.html

(8) Listed Species Benefits. For an application to be eligible, the proposed project must provide significant habitat benefits to at least one CVP-impacted federally listed endangered or threatened species, excluding fish.

(9) Public Benefit. The proposed project must demonstrate allowable public benefit to be eligible for financial assistance.

III.C Ineligible Projects

Applications for following types of projects are not eligible for a financial assistance award through this NOFO:

• Projects targeted specifically toward benefiting fish.

• Projects which would result in mitigation credits for the award recipient or the landowner.

• The project area falls outside the CVPCP Priority Project Area.

• Projects for which the award recipient is not current on its award reporting and audit requirements for an existing federal award may not be eligible to enter into a new financial assistance agreement.

III.D Length of Projects

The length of projects will vary by award, the length of time generally being as requested in the project schedule in the application and as outlined in the scope of the financial assistance agreement signed by award recipients and Reclamation. The maximum length of award for financial assistance agreements is 5 years from the date of execution of the award.

III.E Cost Sharing Requirement

The CVPCP has no cost-sharing requirement. However, partnering (i.e., cost-sharing provided by contributing entities, through cash or in-kind services, toward the cost of the proposed project) is highly encouraged and the level of partnering, including in-kind contributions, is considered during application evaluation.

In-kind contributions constitute the value of non-cash contributions that benefit a federally assisted project that would otherwise be paid for through the award. These contributions may be in the form of labor, real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable property, as well as the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project or program. The cost or value of in-kind contributions that have been or will be relied upon to satisfy a cost-sharing or matching requirement for another federal financial assistance agreement, a federal procurement contract, or any other award of federal funds may not qualify as a cost-share contribution for CVPCP financial assistance. In other words, the contribution cannot be credited twice.

III.F Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

Reclamation and CVPCP Managers are responsible for assuring that financial assistance award projects are in compliance with all applicable federal laws including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), ESA, National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and Clean Water Act (CWA). Award recipients are responsible for assuring that projects are in compliance with all applicable state and local laws.

Section IV: Application and Submission Information

IV.A Access to Application Package

All application materials are available on-line through grants.gov. Refer to NOFO number BOR- CGB-21-F003 when searching grants.gov for required application materials.

IV.B Application Submission

The application submission deadline is April 19, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Applications received after this date and time will not be considered.

IV.C Instructions for Submission of Project Application

Applications should be either (1) submitted electronically through www.grants.gov; (2) mailed to include three paper copies; or (3) hand-delivered to include three paper copies. In order to safeguard the security of electronic information, www.grants.gov utilizes E-Authentication, the federal program that ensures secure transactions. If you are filing electronically on www.grants.gov, you may submit your application any time after you receive your E-Authentication credentials.

Those submitting an application through grants.gov also need to be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) before being able to submit an application through www.grants.gov.

See http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html for more information. Personalized support is available through the grants.gov Contact Center at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html.

Applicants choosing to submit an application through the mail should submit the full application package to the following person and address:

Bureau of Reclamation Attn: Teresa Brown 2800 Cottage Way, Room E-1815 Sacramento, CA 95825-1898 (916) 978-5049

Applicants are not limited to one application submission. Any number of applications may be submitted by each applicant.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html

Applications selected for funding may be reviewed by an agency Cost Analyst. Applicants should be prepared to provide written documentation of market research conducted to support the basis of all project costs in accordance with 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 200. When preparing project budget estimates, applicants may include as part of their project budget as much as 10 percent for labor cost to collect and prepare the requested cost documentation.

Applications must be submitted as a complete package. Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package for consideration and may result in the application being considered ineligible. Mailing materials, package, or packing envelopes containing the application should reference NOFO number BOR-CGB-21-F003. Faxed and emailed copies of applications will not be accepted.

Applicants must submit a fully completed and signed SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.

Applications must also include an SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-construction Programs, and a completed and signed SF-424B – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs. The forms must be signed by a person legally authorized to commit the organization to performance of the activity and who will be the official administrative point of contact during the application process. Inclusion of a properly signed and dated SF-424 is a mandatory requirement. Failure to include the form with the application will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration. The SF-424 and its related forms may be downloaded from www.grants.gov.

For applications that include a State and/or local funding contribution, the SF-424 is subject to review by the State Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs”. If so applicable, a copy of the SF-424 should be mailed to the State Clearinghouse, Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, P.O. Box 3044, Sacramento, CA 95812-3044. The State also accepts fax copies of the SF-424 at (916) 558-3164. Applicants should not send or fax the full application package or any other supplemental information to the State Clearinghouse. Be sure to mark the SF- 424 correctly; check the box and indicate the date that the SF-424 was faxed or mailed to the State Clearinghouse on Section 19 of the SF-424.

IV.D Application Content

The core of the financial assistance award application is the technical proposal. Because each proposal is scored for technical merit, it is highly recommended that applicants strictly adhere to the following content guidelines when preparing a proposal:

● Technical proposals should have a page number on every page.

● The technical proposal is limited to a maximum of 18 pages in length. Information to provide as part of the 18 page total includes the cover page, project description, budget narrative, and budget table. Information to provide at the end of the proposal, which is not considered part of the 18 page limit, includes: maps, figures, photographs, literature cited, SF-424s, curriculum vitae, landowner letters or emails of support, and any other information such as appendices.

http://www.grants.gov/

● Maps, site photos, aerial or satellite imagery, figures, etc., should be submitted in color in all copies of the technical proposal.

● Required paper size is Letter (8.5-inch x 11 inch). Margins should be 1 inch on each side, top and bottom.

● Font type and size should be Times New Roman 12 pt.

● Line spacing should be single spacing.

Applicants should submit well-described and technically accurate proposals organized to address the following required format. The following information should be included in the 18-page limit:

IV.D.1 Cover Page Include the name of the applicant, organization name, title of proposed project, and date.

IV.D.2 Title of Proposed Project State the title of the proposed project.

IV.D.3 Abstract Submit a brief abstract in standard abstract format (i.e. no more than one page).

IV.D.4 Technical Proposal Category List the category of the project activity, e.g., Land Protection, Habitat Restoration, Research, or Captive Propagation and/or Reintroduction. Only one category should be named in the proposal.

IV.D.5 Project Objective(s) Clearly state the objective(s) the proposed project would achieve. An objective is a specific action item you hope to accomplish with your project. It also spells out the specific results or outcomes you plan to achieve. I.e., “Acquire a conservation easement on 500 acres”, or “Conduct surveys at 25 sites”. Do not include detailed species benefits information in this section.

IV.D.6 Proposal Proponent Provide the name, address, phone number, and email address of the main/primary technical point of contact.

IV.D.7 Location of Proposed Project

● For land protection and habitat restoration projects, include the location and size of the project area in acres, as well as longitude and latitude information.

● All project applications must include a clear, detailed, full-page color map indicating local reference points, a scale bar, and the location of the proposed project or project activities within the CVPCP project area (https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpcp/map/index.html).

● Include locations of documented species observations from surveys or other knowledge, if any.

● Include species sampling/survey locations, if proposed.

https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpcp/map/index.html

● For land acquisition and habitat restoration projects, and for research and captive propagation and/or reintroduction projects when applicable, include photographs of the project site(s).

IV.D.8 Amount of Funding Request Specify the amount of funds requested from the CVPCP.

IV.D.9 Total Proposed Project Cost Specify the total estimated cost of the project including in-kind and cost-share contributions.

IV.D.10 Proposed Activities For the action being proposed for funding, provide a detailed description of the project activities and of the tasks to be accomplished. If the project requires more than 1 year of work, the applicant should state this; list tasks for each phase; and separate tasks to be completed each year.

IV.D.11 Proposed Project Timeline Include milestones (markers in a project that signify a change or stage in development) and the final completion date for each objective. Note: No project may be funded that extends beyond 5 years.

IV.D.12 Monitoring and Management This criterion applies to Land Protection and Habitat Restoration project proposals only, unless specifically required under another category of Priority Action. Proposals should state how the protected or restored habitats would be monitored and managed in the future to achieve the benefits to the CVP impacted species and habitats described in the proposal. Grant recipients must submit a plan for monitoring and managing the project area for all habitat restoration and conservation easement land protection projects prior to close of financial assistance award agreements, and prior to close of purchase for all fee title land acquisition projects.

IV.D.13 Measuring Results Describe how project performance would be measured when assessing the progress made towards achieving predetermined performance goals. This criterion does not apply to Land Protection project proposals.

IV.D.14 Résumé or Curriculum Vitae Provide a résumé or curriculum vitae for each person who would be significantly involved in the proposed project.

IV.D.15 Relationship of the Proposal to the Program Scoring Criteria Section V.B lists the program scoring criteria and the range of points available for each scoring criterion. Described below are those criteria which the applicant must address (where applicable) according to the category of technical proposal being submitted, along with suggestions on how to address them. Each applicant is strongly encouraged to provide as much information as possible for each applicable criterion for each technical proposal, since awarding of funds is strongly tied to the scoring criteria.

(1) CVP Nexus: Indicate the proposed project’s relationship to the CVP. How has the habitat or species of interest been impacted by delivery of CVP water? Proposals should adequately define this relationship to be considered for evaluation.

(2) Program Priority Action: Per the Program Priority Actions specified in Section V.A., proposals must state the Priority Action and its corresponding number under the project category (Land Protection, Habitat Restoration, Research, or Captive Propagation and/or Reintroduction) under which the proposal is to be considered. Only one Priority Action should be named for each proposal. Do not include any other wording in this section other than to identify the specific Priority Action.

(3) Federally Listed Species Benefits (includes species proposed for listing): The proposal should indicate in as much detail as possible how the project would benefit federally endangered or threatened species, including species proposed for listing, and which species would benefit. Describe whether any of the species have been documented on, or in the vicinity of, the project site as indicated by California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) occurrences or other sources. Include species information in a Species Benefits Table (Attachment A).

(4) State Listed Species Benefits: The proposal should indicate how State Endangered, Threatened, and Fully Protected species may benefit from the proposed project. Describe whether any of the species have been documented on, or in the vicinity of, the project site as indicated by CNDDB occurrences or other sources. Include species information in a Species Benefits Table (Attachment A).

(5) Benefits to Special Status Designated Species that are not Federal or State Listed or Proposed for Listing: The proposal should describe how other imperiled CVP impacted species that are not listed, or proposed for federal or state listing, may benefit from the proposed project. Describe whether any of the species have been documented on, or in the vicinity of, the project site as indicated by CNDDB occurrences or other sources. Include species information in a Species Benefits Table (Attachment A).

(6) Habitat/Biodiversity: This criterion applies to Land Protection and Habitat Restoration project proposals only. Describe habitat types and species diversity within the project area, how the project would help maintain or benefit native habitat, and the importance of the habitat to the species. Describe the before and after habitat conditions that would be projected if the project is implemented, and the types of habitat(s) to be benefitted by the project.

(7) Cumulative Benefit: Indicate how the project would contribute to conservation efforts being undertaken by other agencies or partners related to the same species or habitats in the region or within the range of the species, including past CVPCP projects.

(8) Long-term Benefit: Address how project benefits might persist or increase over time, i.e., describe future benefits to species and habitats that are expected to result from the proposed project.

(9) Project Site Connectivity: This criterion applies to Land Protection and Habitat Restoration project proposals only. Describe where the project site is located in relation to other protected or restored habitat areas. A map showing the proposed project site location(s) relation to other protected or restored sites, either adjacent-to or in the vicinity, is encouraged.

Scoring points under this criterion will be assigned based on whether the project area is adjacent-to, near, or well removed from other protected or restored habitat areas.

(10) Partners: This criterion gives consideration to financial contributions of cash and/or the equivalent in-kind services obtained from one or more sources to facilitate completion of the proposed project. The contribution is expressed as a percentage of the total cost of the project that would offset costs otherwise paid by the CVPCP. Information on the amount and nature of each partner contribution should be provided in order for partnering levels to be ascertained and credited. When addressing this criterion, the proposal should include a complete description of partner contributions consistent with the content of the Budget Narrative, Budget Table, and SF-424 forms. For the purposes of this criterion, the CVPCP is not considered a “partner.” This criterion does not apply to research project proposals. To get credit for a partner contribution the applicant should adhere to the following guidelines and parameters:

● Provide the name of each partner contributing cash or in-kind contributions toward the total cost of the project. Describe the extent of the applicant’s discussions with, and financial commitment from, the partners named in the proposal. For example, to receive scoring points under this criterion it is not sufficient to merely name as a partner “a State grant program.” It is not expected that all partner contributions be committed at the time of the submission of the application, but CVPCP Managers need to be assured that the partner contribution is real.

● Provide a description of how each partner contribution has a direct link to the current project being proposed.

● Provide evidence that the partnership contribution is genuinely and wholly committed by substantiating the contribution through a letter or email message of confirmation from the partnering entity(ies) named in the proposal. I.e., this means that not only should the funding partners be identified, but the financial commitment should be supported through documentation in the application in order for the application to receive credit under the "Partners" scoring criterion. If appropriate documentation is not included with the application, the "Partners" criterion will receive zero (0) points during scoring. The determination of "appropriate" documentation is at the discretion of the CVPCP Managers.

● Provide the amount to be contributed by each partner in cash or equivalent dollars, as well as a percentage of the total project cost.

● Equate in-kind services to dollars. If this is not done, those services will not be considered when partnering points are tallied.

● Use the format shown in Attachment B, Sample Budget Table, to indicate partner contributions to the proposed project.

Additionally, please note the following limitations:

● Partners to the project who are not providing a financial contribution, either directly or in-kind, will not be considered in the proposal scoring or project selection.

● Partner cost sharing will only be considered for components of the proposed project.

● Funds expended on the proposed project prior to receiving the CVPCP financial assistance award will not be considered when awarding scoring points.

● Failure to secure partner funds from sources specified in the proposal may jeopardize the delivery of funds under a CVPCP financial assistance agreement.

● Per 2 CFR 200.306a, regarding federal research proposals, voluntary committed cost sharing is not expected. Therefore, partner cost sharing cannot be used as a selection factor during the review of applications or proposals under the Research category.

(11) Level of CVP Impacts: The proposal should address to what extent a species or habitat that would benefit from the proposed project has been impacted by the CVP.

(12) Project Urgency: The proposal should assign a level of urgency, i.e., major, moderate, or minimal, to the project based on the endangerment of a species, the level of threat to a habitat area, and/or the consequence to the species should the project not be carried out. A complete explanation on the rationale for the statement of urgency should be provided.

IV.D.16 Literature Cited When applicable, applications should include a Literature Cited section.

IV.D.17 Technical Merit Technical merit and completeness of the proposal will be evaluated considering the following elements. Failure to adhere to these elements would result in a low technical merit score.

● Adherence to the required guidelines and format as outlined in section IV.D.

● Use of correct Species Table and Budget Table templates (Attachments A and B).

● Clear and complete descriptions of methodology for research proposals.

● Strict adherence to the page limit.

● Use of correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

● Ease of reading, i.e., clear and concise wording.

● Success in addressing all Scoring Criteria.

● Accuracy and completeness of the Budget Table.

● Inclusion of a thorough Budget Narrative that corresponds with the costs and amounts shown in the Budget Table.

● Provision of clear and concise maps, figures, tables, and photographs.

● Correct and complete citations of supporting reports and other documents.

● Establishment of baseline conditions.

● Incorporation of Literature Cited, if applicable.

● Inclusion of résumé(s) and curriculum vitae(s).

● Correct assignment of species status designations (i.e., threatened or endangered;

federal or state listed; special status).

● Consistency throughout the proposal regarding which species and habitats would benefit.

● Consistency throughout the proposal on all costs (SF-424, Budget Table; Budget

Narrative; CVPCP Funding Request; Total Proposed Project Cost).

● Definitions of scientific terms and acronyms not familiar to a lay person.

● Clear and concise timeline/milestones for proposed objectives and tasks.

Furthermore, the scientific rigor of proposed research projects will be considered along with outside technical reviewers’ evaluations of the proposals.

IV.D.18 Budget Table and Narrative Applicants must provide a budget table including all of the information requested in the Budget Table template (Attachment B), and a budget narrative containing a complete description of each cost item in the budget table, organized by budget table “Budget Item Description”. The narrative should: provide a detailed, clear, consistent, complete, and correct summary of project costs; indicate annual costs for each task; and include a description of contributions from any cost-share partners.

The budget narrative should include sufficient detailed information to enable the CVPCP Technical Team to evaluate the reasonableness of the budgeted costs. The budget narrative should be separate from the budget table.

The proposed project budget shall clearly identify all project costs by objectives and the funding source, i.e., Reclamation, applicant, or other funding sources. The budget narrative should provide a discussion of, or explanation for, items included in the budget proposal. For grants to be awarded, details in the budget narrative will be used by a Reclamation Cost Analyst to determine whether costs are allowable, allocable and reasonable. If the narrative does not contain the appropriate amount of detail, this may delay the award.

Listed below are additional instructions for addressing the budget table “Budget Item Descriptions”.

Proposed project budgets may not have costs in each category. The categories are provided simply as a means to provide direction on the type of information to submit with the budget. If the budget includes expenses in these categories, follow the instructions provided. If the budget includes expenses in the “Other” category, provide information that describes how the budgeted amount was estimated, the assumptions it is based upon, etc. Multi-year projects are suitable for funding. For multi-year projects, identify costs and tasks to be conducted each year. In all cases, sufficient information should be provided to allow a determination that the budget is fair and reasonable for the proposed activity. An award will not be made to any applicant who fails to fully disclose and specify all project costs. Additionally, if more than one project option is proposed (i.e., a basic project and a potentially larger project), the budget table and narrative should make clear the costs and tasks to be completed under the basic and larger project options.

The basis of all costs in the SF-424 and the proposed budget should be documented and defensible in order for the CVPCP Managers and Grants Officers to determine fair and reasonable costs, regardless of whether a cost is funded by the CVPCP or another funding entity. This also applies to matching or in-kind costs.

If your application is selected for funding, a cost analysis will be conducted on the proposed budget prior to obligation of the award. Budgeted labor costs (labor categories, direct labor rates, hours per labor category) and fringe benefits, material costs by type, sub-recipient costs, travel, and any other direct and indirect costs are subject to evaluation. Recipients may be contacted by a Cost Analyst requesting supporting documentation for the estimated costs in the SF-424 and budget. In preparation for the cost analysis, applicants should be prepared to provide evidence of prior experience or market research that was used to develop project cost estimates (i.e. copies of invoices and salary cost breakdowns from prior similar projects) for any costs displayed in the SF-424 and the proposal project budget. That requirement may also apply to funds offered as cost-share by the applicant or other partner.

For land protection projects, the CVPCP cannot pay for land management endowments.

For additional information, see all applicable circulars related to federal financial assistance budget and audit requirements, including but not limited to 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

Salaries and Wages – Indicate the project manager and other key personnel by name and title.

Other personnel may be indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries and wages, estimated hours or percent of time, and rate of compensation proposed. The labor rates should identify the direct labor rate separate from the fringe rate or fringe cost. All labor estimates, including any proposed subcontractors, should be allocated to specific objectives as outlined in the recipient’s technical proposal description.

Clearly identify any expected salary increases over the duration of the project, the effective date, and justification for any increase.

Generally, salaries of administrative and/or clerical personnel should be included as a portion of indirect costs. If these salaries can be adequately documented as direct costs, (directly attributable to a project cost item), they may be included in this section. In order to do so, an explanation must be included in the budget narrative.

Fringe Benefits – Indicate rates/amounts, the costs to be included (i.e., retirement, vacation, health insurance, overtime, etc.), and the basis of the rate computations. Indicate whether these rates are used for purposes of the proposed project only, or whether they are fixed or provisional rates for billing purposes. Federally-approved rate agreements are acceptable as rate computation support.

Travel – Include the purpose of the trip, destination, number of personnel traveling, length of stay and all travel costs including airfare (basis for rate used), per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. Unless otherwise justified, costs should be based on General Services Administration (GSA) mileage and per diem rates. If not, documentation should be provided showing the basis of the rates (i.e. market research, past performance, past costs, written travel policy procedures).

Equipment –Per 2 CFR 200.33, “equipment” is considered to be necessary items purchased for the project that exceeds $5,000.00 in cost. Items purchased for up to $5,000.00 are considered to be supplies or materials. Itemize costs of all equipment and include information as to the need for this equipment. Specify whether the equipment is being rented or purchased. Successful applicants may be asked to provide a written copy of their procurement policy procedures.

How was equipment priced if being purchased specifically for the grant? If equipment is to be rented, specify the number of hours and the hourly rate. Local rental rates are only accepted for equipment actually rented or leased for the project.